Liverpool lining up January move for Ruud van Nistelrooy - Exclusive

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is being lined up for a New Year move to Liverpool.

The Dutch striker is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid as he recovers from the latest of a series of injuries that have limited him to four appearances this season.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is looking at the possibility of taking the former Manchester United striker on loan until the end of the season as he aims to add firepower to his team.

Van Nistelrooy, 33, is also attracting interest from Tottenham and Manchester City as he nears fitness following a thigh problem.

But he would prefer a move to Anfield because he believes Liverpool will still be fighting for the Premier League title at the end of the season – and that would help him secure a place in Holland’s World Cup squad.

It’s a move that would send shock waves all the way to Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson believed he landed a huge psychological blow on Benitez when he persuaded former Liverpool striker Michael Owen to join United in the summer. Recruiting Van Nistelrooy would give the Merseysiders a big New Year lift as they look to get back into the title race.

Van Nistelrooy scored 95 goals in 150 appearances for United before moving to Spain three years ago in a £18million deal after falling out with Ferguson.

Real signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema last summer, while Van Nistelrooy is also behind Bernabeu golden boy Raul in the pecking order.

Benitez will be given a limited budget for signings in January – and a loan move for Van Nistelrooy is a big attraction.

Van Nistelrooy’s goal-scoring pedigree is impressive. In three seasons he has been the Champions League top marksman. He is currently the Champions League second highest scorer  – only Raul has more.

As well as having World Cup aspirations Van Nistelrooy also needs to secure a long-term contract. His current agreement with Real expires next summer.

The other big attraction for Benitez is that Van Nistelrooy can operate as a solo striker in the way he currently deploys Fernando Torres.